Category Archives: West

Our West family begins its genealogy and family history in New York, and then moves into Ontario, Canada, before winding down to start a new homestead in Lenawee County of Michigan in the newly formed farming community of The Township of Raisin. There, the Farlin family marries into the West family and the next generations spread themselves across the planet. We trace our West family roots to Washington State, where some Farlins also followed.

Where Were Turbans Worn in the World in 1925?

Posted on February 20, 2013 by Lorelle VanFossen

According to Wikipedia, the Turban first appeared in the history of clothing early on, highlighting turbans called phakeolis worn by the Byzantine army. My question is where was my grandfather, Howard W. West Sr., that he captured this picture of … Continue reading →


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Puget Sound Navy Museum, Bremerton, Washington

Posted on January 26, 2013 by Lorelle VanFossen
Puget Sound Navy Museum, Bremerton, Washington

This is an unconfirmed picture of what I think is the Naval Base at Bremerton, Washington, circa 1926. It was taken by my grandfather, Howard W. West Sr.. He was on the USS Arizona during its stay there for refitting … Continue reading →


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Seattle Coast Guard Museum – The History of the Coast Guard and Pacific Northwest Maritime

Posted on January 24, 2013 by Lorelle VanFossen
Seattle Coast Guard Museum - The History of the Coast Guard and Pacific Northwest Maritime

There is a Coast Guard Museum in Seattle, Washington. This will be invaluable as I dig more into the lives of my father and his father, both serving in the Coast Guard in the Pacific Northwest and Pacific Ocean. The … Continue reading →


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Can You Spot the USS Arizona?

Posted on January 20, 2013 by Lorelle VanFossen

My grandfather, Howard William West Sr. served on the USS Arizona in the early 1920s. In researching his life on the ship, culling what information I can from his USS Arizona Log Book 1924-1925 and the History of the USS … Continue reading →


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Searching for Coast Guard Insignias and Ranks

Posted on January 13, 2013 by Lorelle VanFossen

In this photograph of my grandfather, Howard William West Sr. (tallest) and friend, based upon the US Coast Guard Military History PDF file of ratings, ranks, warrant, marks and insignia (PDF File), my grandfather was a Petty Officer, Quartermaster, 2nd … Continue reading →


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Find an Image that Defines the Life of a Family Member

Posted on December 6, 2011 by Lorelle VanFossen

The New York Times is launching a new project, “The Lives They Lived: Share Your Photos,” asking the public to contribute a photograph representing the life of a family member or close friend who died this past year. For our … Continue reading →


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West and Knapp Families Featured in the Everett Herald, Snohomish County, Washington

Posted on June 27, 2011 by Lorelle VanFossen

This morning, an article in the Everett Herald in Everett, Snohomish County, Washington, was published about this blog and my research into my family’s history in the Everett and Snohomish County area of Washington state. Titled “Blogger digs into her … Continue reading →


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The Diary of Hannah Pierce (1835-1873), Lenawee County, Michigan

Posted on January 29, 2007 by Lorelle VanFossen

Researching your family history online can be a challenge. But when you find a wonderful gem in your research, it makes all the struggle worthwhile. Such was the discovery of the mention of my West family members in the Diary … Continue reading →


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Biography of Wilbur West (1827-c1900), Son of Benjamin West and Polly Disbrow

Posted on November 19, 2006 by Lorelle VanFossen

The Michigan County Histories has a terrible unedited version of Portrait and biographical album of Lenawee County, Michigan available online, which features biographical biographical sketches and portraits of prominent and representative citizens of the county. Produced by the Chapman Brothers, … Continue reading →


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History of Portland, Oregon, Helps Genealogists

Posted on November 16, 2006 by Lorelle VanFossen

Genealogy Help (GenHelp) has just released a History of Portland, Oregon as part of their ongoing emphasis on the history of Oregon Genealogy. The new manuscript for History of Portland, Oregon can be found on the Access Genealogy website, and … Continue reading →


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